App helps drivers on commutes and trips

The GPS maps and traffic app, Waze, does more than an average GPS system, but it is not nearly as well-known as it should be.

Waze is a helpful app for drivers on an everyday commute or on a long trip. (Photo from waze.com)

Commonly used GPS maps, such as Google Maps, lead a driver from point A to point B; however, Waze does much more than that. The app is easy to use, providing users with a simplistic design and colorful symbols to guide them throughout the app.

The most unique aspect of the app is that it warns drivers of potential obstacles or dangers in their travel path. For example, as users are driving, the app will warn them of an upcoming police officer, road work obstacle, accident, stopped car or even a traffic delay.

Waze acquires the information about these potential travel inhibitors through a feature in which app users input data. Any user of the application can become what is known as a “wazer,” individuals who mark any obstacles during their commute. They have the ability to alert fellow drivers when there is a police or road hazard, by placing a symbol on the map warning of hindrances.

Users are able to friend people through the app, connecting with them during their travels. The app can also be linked to social media to share adventures with friends. Like other GPS systems, Waze includes the ability to input important addresses accessed often such as work, home or school, in addition to searching for places nearby.

Users can view obstacles along their routes and also send notices to people waiting their arrivals. (Photo from teksocial.com)

Whether traveling long distances or trying to make the evening commute home in time for family dinner, drivers can use the app to send updates to family and friends. After setting a destination, the driver can simply send pre-typed updates to those awaiting their arrival.

As a small incentive to use the app for large trips as well as daily commutes, there are various levels that users can reach at which they are able to change their avatar. Users gain access to these different characters after traveling a certain number of miles. A driver begins as a “waze newbie,” with the potential to earn over 30 different avatar options.

According to the Google Play Store, the app is increasing in popularity, earning a 4.6 star user rating and has over 100 million downloads. This app is one all drivers need on their phones to ensure an easy drive every time.